Now days with all the new running lines available maybe it is easier. I was using flat mono in 26 - 34* temps and it was always stiff.

I didn't even consider that.
All I've ever used for running line was a #5 level line... and even that's hard to deal with
Another problem for me is that when it's cold, that thin line is very hard to hold on to.

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The simpler the outfit, the more skill it takes to manage it, and the more pleasure one gets in his achievements.” --- Horace Kephart